Following a remarkable performance at the recently concluded World Cup, Virat Kohli, the top run-scorer of the tournament, will be stepping away from the limelight in the upcoming white-ball series on India’s tour of South Africa. This series, starting with a T20 International on December 10 in Durban, will see India play three T20 internationals and three ODIs before moving on to longer Test matches. However, Kohli’s participation is limited to the red-ball cricket—understood to be only the two Test matches.
The Indian Express has learned that Kohli has communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his desire to take a hiatus from the shorter format of the game. This decision comes soon after an intense period packed with relentless cricket for the batsman. The selection committee, led by former India allrounder Ajit Agarkar, will be forging ahead to choose the team for the all format games of the tour in the coming days.
Virat Kohli’s World Cup stint was nothing short of extraordinary, where he racked up 765 runs across 11 innings, which included a trio of centuries, earning him the title of the player of the tournament. His strategic batting prowess not only helped India surge forward in the tournament but also brought him personal accolades as he surpassed batting legend Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. With scores against Bangladesh, South Africa, and New Zealand in the group stages, Kohli’s bat spoke volumes, although, in the final against Australia, India couldn’t clinch the title, despite his solid innings of 54 runs.
The crucial Test matches will have Kohli on board, with the first one starting on Boxing Day at Centurion, followed by the second in Cape Town. This break is similar to the one he had before the World Cup in September, where he and captain Rohit Sharma were rested for the initial ODIs against Australia. This much-needed respite is particularly important for Kohli who is currently recuperating on holiday in London. It was last year, after the England tour, that Kohli similarly took time off, missing limited over series in the West Indies and Zimbabwe. Upon his return, he candidly expressed the benefits of the hiatus, where he felt rejuvenated and honest with his intensity for the sport—something he felt he was merely ‘faking’ prior to the break.
The issue of cricketer’s workload and managing the balance between personal and professional life is a theme Kohli addressed. While in conversation with Star Sports, he recounted the realizations during his time off, the understanding that his body and mind sought a pause from the game’s demands. Kohli spoke of the profound moment when he recorded his 50th century at the historic Wankhede Stadium, surrounded by loved ones and adoring fans.
The squad’s composition for the limited-overs matches hangs uncertain as the BCCI secretary Jay Shah is poised to discuss plans and player availability with Rohit Sharma, who’s also taking a breather in the UK, and Agarkar, the chairman of selectors.
Kohli’s decision to recalibrate and focus on the red-ball series is not just a personal choice but reflects a broader understanding of the pressures international cricketers face today. His actions are a stark reminder of the importance of mental well-being in sports. Fans and teammates alike will likely respect his decision to rest and will be anticipating his return to the pitch, refreshed and ready to continue his legendary cricketing journey.